Ismail, Wadha win team silver in Baku
Ismail Al Abri and Wadha Al Balushi won silver in the mixed team 10m air pistol competion. Oman have so far five medals, including two silver and three bronze
MUSCAT: Oman’s medal count went up to five in the Islamic Solidarity Games when the shooters Ismail Al Abri and Wadha Al Balushi clinched the silver medal in the mixed team 10m air pistol competition in Baku, Azerbaijan on Wednesday.
In the gold medal match, Ismail and Wadha did well but failed to stop local team of Rushan Lunev and NIgar Nasirova from winning the gold.
According to news posted on the Games official website, Lunev and Nasirova, after taking an early lead, saw off Wadha and Ismail for a 5-2 win.
In an all-Iran third place playoff, Haniyeh Rostamiyan and Vahid Golkhandan edged out Golnoush Sebghatollahi and Mohammad Ahmadi to claim bronze.
The achievement of Ismail and Wadha is Oman’s fifth medal of the Games. Ismail Al Abri had already won silver in the 50m pistol while fellow shooters Said Al Hashmi and Hamed Al Khatri bagged bronze medals in 25m rapid fire pistol and 50m Rifle 3 Position competitions. Star sprinter Barakat Al Harthy added to Oman’s tally when won 100m bronze on Tuesday.
Oman eye final spot
On Thursday, Oman football team will be hoping to ensure themselves of a medal by booking a place in the final when they take on Cameroon on a semifinal. The match is scheduled to start on 6.30 pm Oman time.
The other semifinal will pit hosts Azerbaijan against African side Algeria.
Considering the importance of the match, Hamad Al Azzani’s coaching staff are unlikely to tinker with the squad though the Omani coach is expected to some minor changes to the lineup.